The Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant Program provides $10,000 in startup funding for resident-driven groups in small cities and towns to implement the Community Heart & Soul model:

• Community Heart & Soul is a four phase, step-by-step process. Developed and field-tested for more than a decade in partnership with small cities and towns (population less than 50,000), Community Heart & Soul has evolved into a proven method for bringing the community together to chart a course forward. For most communities, completing the four phases takes about two years. But, the completion of the Community Heart & Soul model is really just the beginning. It launches a new way of doing business that nurtures a more vibrant community far into the future!

Grant funding requires a $10,000 cash match from the participating municipality or a partnering organization, and interested applicants can download the Community Heart & Soul Seed Grant Guidelines to learn more about the funding opportunity and specific program details.

Community Heart & Soul held an informational / how-to-apply webinar on Wednesday, February 17th. Participants received guidance on how to craft a successful application, and Sue Lessard, Town Manager in Bucksport, Maine shared her experience with Community Heart & Soul and its benefits.

Finalists will be asked to complete a brief exercise from Getting Started with Community Heart & Soul and participate in a virtual interview with Community Heart & Soul staff. 

Check out the video below for an introduction to Community Heart & Soul!